Condition control system and apparatus



J. EATON March 31, 1942.

CONDITION CONTROL SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Jui 27, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 2 ND cvcu-z NO FLAME I9|sc 50%; znb cYcge IAFTA 255i AHPE Inventor- John Eaton y/w aw H 4. Ml o a 4 M Q L 7 1 4 1 1 I i 2 4 k. l il I'AFTER RESE Fig.3.

1ST CYCLE N0 FLAME IST CYCLE is 'Attor-r eg.

March 31, 1942., J. EATON 2,278,252

CONDITION common SYSTEM mnurmxrus 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I 2o'4sec 56556. 59 sec.

I 1! ll!) Inventor. John Eaton,

His Attorfieg.

Patented Mar. 31, 1942 CONDITION CONTROL SYSTEM AND APPARATUS John Eaton, Schenectady, N. Y., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application my 27, 1940, Serial No. 347,994

Claims.

The invention relates to the automatic control of condition changing apparatus involving a predetermined sequence of control conditions wherein the automatic establishment of one condition vides improvement upon the automatic burner control system and apparatus described and claimed in my Patent No. 2,085,577. granted June 29, 1937. However, the present invention may be used with advantage in other automatic sequential condition control systems and apparatus where the automatic control of some desired condition corresponding to house temperature or the like is dependent upon the proper automatic establishment of a prerequisite condition corresponding to the establishment of combustion by the burner mechanism or the like.

The general object is to provide an improved prerequisite condition responsive automatic control system and apparatus for coordinating and sequencing the operation of various automatic condition responsive control elements of an automatic condition changing device such, for example, as an automatic burner or the like so as more effectively to insure proper and safe operation of the condition changing device under normal operating conditions and particularly to prevent continued operation thereof under certain abnormal conditions.

A specific object is to provide an improved combination of an electroresponsive relay with an electric timing motor operated sequencing switch mechanism for operating a condition changing apparatus such as a burner or the like to establish a desired condition under the Joint control of a master condition responsive device such as a room thermostat or the like, and a prerequisite condition responsive device such as a combustion responsive switch or the like.and, if desired, also under the control of a plurality of limit or safety switches each responsive to a different abnormal condition of the condition changing apparatus.

proved structure for the time sequencing switch mechanism as well as to provide an improved preset mechanically biased lockout mechanism for control by an electroresponsive control device and a time sequencing control switch mechanism so as to render the automatic condition control system inoperative in case a certain condition is not automatically established at the proper time in the sequence. In the improved lockout mechanism a mechanical biasing force is present during normal operation of the control for effecting the lockout operation. This is an improvement upon the electrically energized lockout operating means disclosed in my patent notedabove.

A further specific object is to provide improved means for insuring against interruption of the sequencing cycle due to chattering of the master condition responsive control or the inadvertent opening and closing thereof during the cycle.

Further objects will be pointed out in the course of the following description of themcompanying drawings illustrating preferred forms of the invention, and in which Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view of the improved condition sequencing control apparatus of the present invention with the various elements thereof in-, terconnected to automatically control'the starting and running operation of an oil burner under the master control of .a room temperature responsive thermostat or the like; Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the relative positions of an improved two-try lockout control part during both normal and abnormal operation of the burner;

Fig: 3 is a chart showing the sequence of operation of the various cam switches of the sequenc control apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a Other specific objects are to provide an iniperspective exploded view of an improved form of one-try lockout mechanism which may be used with the sequencing control apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 4 to provide for only one try in establishing combustion upon starting the burner into operation Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the rela- -tive position of the one-try lockout parts shown in Fig. 5 during the sequential operation of the control mechanism; Fig. 7 is a connection diagram for the sequencing control apparatus of Figs. 1 to 4 with the one-try lockout mechanism 'of Figs. 5 and 6 in control of a simplifled-form of oilburner, and Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the improved condition responsive automatic sequencing control system and apparatus of the present invention adapted for automatic humidity control service.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention in an automatic oil burner control for thermostatic house heating service in order to explain the principle of the invention and the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying that principle although the invention is not necessarily limited to burner control.

In Fig. 1, the oil burner I0 is shown diagrammatically as of the improved conversion type adapted to be used with furnaces of various types and sizes as described in the application of Aldo Macchi, Serial No. 320,557, filed February 24. 1940, although the improved control of the present invention may be employed in the control of any other form of burner or other automatically controlled condition changing device when desired. In the particular form shown the burner I is operated by an electric motor indicated schematically as provided with a motor running winding i l and a motor starting winding l2 both of which are energized in starting into operation a suitable blower and oil pump mechanism (not shown in detail) to supply combustion air and atomized oil to the combustion chamber of a house heating furnace of boiler i4. After starting, the burner driving motor is operated on the running winding H alone. Oil is supplied from the oil atomizing nozzle I5 only when the electromagnetically operated oil valve i6 is maintained energized in addition to energization of the burner driving motor running winding II. The air for combustion is supplied from the blower housing l3 through the air nozzle [8. The atomized oil supplied from nozzle i5 is ignited by an electric spark between the electrodes i9 which are energized from the ignition transformer 20 during the time that combustion is initially being established in the combustion chamber of the furnace H.

A furnace combustion responsive device 2|, which may be of any suitable form, is provided for operating the combustion responsive switch 22 into engagement with contact 24 in the absence of combustion and into engagement with contact 25 when combustion is successfully established. The switch 22 may be termed a prerequisite condition responsive device, with itscontact 24 the "cold" contact and its contact 25 the hot contact.

Under normal conditions, the operation of the burner III is both started and stopped by -a master condition responsive switch 30 which is automatically operated in accordance with variations in some predetermined condition such as temperature, pressure or any other condition to be controlled. Ordinarily, for house heating service the master switch 30 is a thermostatically operated switch suitably located in the room of the house heated by the furnace ll in order to maintain a uniform temperature therein.

In accordance with the present invention the master condition control or room thermostat 30 operates in conjunction with the prerequisite condition responsive control or combustion condition responsive switch 22 to control the energization of the electric motor driven time switch mechanism 3| which in cooperation with the electro-magnetically operated relay 32 controls in a proper timed sequence the energization of the burner motor running winding ll, starting winding l2, the electromagnetically operated oil valve l6 and the ignition transformer 20 to start operation of the burner mechanism in an attempt to establish combustion in the combustion chamber of the furnace l4 and maintain combustion therein as long as the master or room thermostatic switch 50 is calling for heat and no abnormal operating conditions are encountered. Special provision is made so that in case some abnormal operating condition such as failure to establish combustion properly, failure of the electric power supply, the development of an excessive temperature or pressure in the furnace H. or failure of the control apparatus itself to function properly, the burner will automatically be shut down. In the form of control apparatus shown in Fig. l, a special two-try lockout switch mechanism (shown in Fig. 2) is provided to enable a second attempt to be made automatically to establish combustion in case combustion fails to be established properly upon the first attempt. But if combustion again fails to be established upon the second attempt then the special twotry lockout switch is operated to shut down the burner and maintain the burner shut down until the cause of the failure of combustion is eliminated and a special reset switch manually operated to restore the automatic control of the burner.

The electric motor driven time sequencing switch mechanism 3| is of an improved construction which is shown schematically with the various parts thereof in exploded or separated form in Fig. 1 in order more clearly to illustrate the details of construction. The assembled form of the sequencing switch mechanism 3| is shown in Fig. 4.

In the improved construction shown in Fig. 1 an electric timing motor 35, preferably of the synchronous self-starting alternating current type operates through suitable speed reducing gearing in the housing 35 'to drive a cam shaft 38 having a plurality of switch operating cams 40, 4!, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46, all of which rotate simultaneously upon rotation of the shaft 38. A

special floating lockout cam 41 is rotatably mounted upon the end of the shaft 38 so as to be frictionally driven thereby to provide for twotry lockout control as described hereinafter.

Each of the cams 40, H, l2, 43, I4 and 45 operates a corresponding movable switch member 50, 5|, 52, 53, 54 and 55 in a sequence which is predetermined by the relative shape and position of the respective cams. Cam. controls a movable stop. or positioning member 55 which rcpositions the floating lockout cam 41 after it effects the separation of the normally closed lockout contacts 51, 58 when the electromagnetically operated switch or relay 32 is deenergized while the lockout cam 41 is in a predetermined position as will be explained more fully hereinafter in connection with Fig. 2.

The cam switches 5| and 53 operate in conjunction with the contacts and H of relay 32 to control the energization of the ignition'transformer 20, the run and start windings II and I2 of the burner motor and also the electromagnetic oil control valve it directly from an electric power supply line L1, L: which may be the ordinary house servlce line. Thus, in the improved control of the present invention, all the high voltage control circuits preferably are segregated on one side of the operating cam shaft while all of the low voltage control switches 50, 52, 54, and 51, 58 are on the opposite side of the cam shaft. These low voltage control switches are energized from the low voltage secondary of the transformer 60, the primary windings of which are connected directly to the power supply lines Ll, L2, preferably through the burner, boiler, or.

furnace limit or safety control switches 5| and 62. These limit orsafety switches are of the normally closed type and are provided with suitable automatic operating means (not shown) responsive to excessive temperature, pressure, low water, or the like for shutting down .the burner under abnormal operating conditions as is well known in the art.

Operation of Fig. 1

The improved control schematically shown in Fig. 1 operates as follows: With the power supply lines Li, L: energized and the safety limit 28 by means of the combustion responsive device 2|. Thus normally whenever the master control switch 38 is closed by a fall in room temperature, assuming that the master switch 38 is a room thermostat, then a starting circuit for starting the sequence timing motor 35 is established. This starting circuit extends from the low voltage secondary of transformer 88 through conductor 18, master switch 38, flame responsive switch 22 in its cold position, conductor 1|, the normally closed lockout contacts 51 and 58, the conductor bar 12, conductor 14, the energizing winding 15 of the timing motor 35 and then through conductor 18 back to the secondary-of transformer 68. As indicated in the sequence chart of Fig. 3, rotation of the cam shaft 38 from its initial or zero time position causes after 3 seconds the operation of cam 42 to close control switch 52 and thereby establish the #l interlock or time switch running circuit. This circuit extends from the secondary of transformer 58 through conductor 18, conductor 18, cam switch 52, conductor 18, conducting bar 12, and thence through conductor 14, the energizing winding 15 of timing motor 35 and conductor 18. This #I interlock or time switch running circuit maintains the timing motor 35 energized independently of the master control 38, combustion responsive switch 22, the lockout contacts 51, 58 as long as the cam operated switch 52 remains closed. This insures that the timing motor 35 will continue to operate the cam shaft 38 through a complete revolution until cam 42 is returned to its initial position in which the control switch 52 is opened, thus insuring a timed sequence of operation indicated as 60 seconds in the sequence diagram of Fig. 3.

After 4 seconds of operation of the timing motor 35, cam 4| c'loses switch 5| to establish the ignition circuit for the oil burner l8 as soon as the contacts 88, 8| of relay 32 are closed which,

however, does not-occur until later in the burner starting cycle. Likewise after 8 seconds of operation of the timing motor' 35, cam 43 closes switch 53 to establish an energizing circuit for the starting winding I2 of the burner motor as soon as contacts 88 and SI 01 relay 32 are closed. The

8|, the energizing winding 88 and conductor 82.

Upon closure of the contacts 88 and 8| of the relay 32 due to closure of the relay energization circuit for the operating winding 88 in the manner just described, the ignition transformer 28 is energized through a circuit extending from L2, safety limit switches 82, 83, conductor 84, the flexible conducting arm 85 upon which contact 8| is mounted, the bus bar 88, switch 5|, conductor 81, and then through the primary winding of the ignition transformer 28 and conductor 88 to the supply line L1. At the same time both the starting winding l2 and the running winding H of the burner motor are energized. The energizing circuit for the starting winding l2 extends from bus bar 88 through switch 53 and conductors 88 and 88 and the circuit for the running winding extends directly from bus bar 88 through conductors 88 and 88. This results in starting the burner motor into operation with the ignition electrodes |8 energized.' However, combustion cannot be established until the oil valve I8 is energized to admit oil to the burner nozzle I5. The oil valve l8 becomes energized when the switch 53 is opened at 23 /2 seconds to deenergize the starting winding 2 of the burner motor.

Thereupon the oil valve I8 is energized by the voltage induced in the starting winding |2 due to the continued energization of the motor run--' ning winding ll.

As indicated in the sequence chart of Fig. 3 the relay energizing circuit control switch 54 remains closed only for two seconds, namely, from 19 /2 to 21 /2 seconds. During this short interval, namely at 20 /2 seconds, switch 58 closes to establish the #2 interlock or relay transfer circuit for maintaining the operating winding 88 of relay 32 energized through the holding resistor 8 until switch 58 opens at seconds. The

#2 interlock or relay transfer circuit controlled by switch 58 extends from the secondary of transformer 88 through conductor 18, conductor 18, switch 52 in its closed position, conductor 18, conducting bar 12, switch 58 in its closed position, and thence through the voltage reducing resistor 8|, conductor 8|, the energizing winding 88 of relay 32 and conductor 82 to transformer 88. The inclusion of the voltage reducing or holding resistor 8| in thecircuit insures that relay 32 cannot reclose in case of I a temporary voltage failure during the time that the voltage reducing resistor 8| is in circuit with the operating winding 88 of the relay.

When the oil valve I6 is energized due to the opening of switch 53 to deenergize the starting winding l2 of the burner motor, oil normally is supplied to and atomized from the nozzle l5 in an attempt to ignite the atomized oil by the spark between the ignition electrode chamber of furnace I. In case combustion is successfullyestablished, the combustion respon: sive device 2| operates switch 22 out of engagement with its cold contact 24 and into engagement with its hot contact 25. This establishes the relay holding circuit for maintaining the winding 88 of relay 32 energized with the voltage reducing or holding resistor 8| in circuit therewith under the joint control of the combustion responsive switch 22 and the master control switch 38. This relay holding circuit extends from the secondary of transformer 68 through conductor 18, the master control switch 38, conductor 82, switch 22, the hot contacts 25, conductor 83. resistor 8|, conductor 8|, winding 88, and conductor 82. -The relay holding circuit is maintained independent of the cam switches 52 and 58 as the timing motor 35 continues in operation to complete the cycle but the closure of cam switch establishes the #4 interlock or sealing circu t around the master control 38 during the period from 43 seconds to 59 seconds as indicated in Fig. 3. This #8 interlock or sealing circuit shunts the contacts of the master control 38 so as to insure against interruption of the relay l8 and thereby establish combustion in the combustion switch 55 in its closed position and then through conductor 04 to the other terminal of the master control switch 30. By means of this #4 inter-- lock sealing circuit, the relay 32 is maintained energized with the voltage reducing resistor i in circuit therewith after the #2 interlock or relay transfer circuit is interrupted at the 50 seconds time by opening of switch 50. Thus by means of this #4 interlock or sealing circuit, the deenergization of the relay 32 during the period from 50 seconds to 59 seconds is placed solely under the control of the combustion responsive switch 22 as the master control switch 30 is shunted and therefore rendered ineffective to deenergize relay 32 during this period. The tiining motor 35 continues operation to open the switch 5I after 51 seconds and thereby deenergizes the ignition transformer and is itself deenergized at the end of 60 seconds by the opening of switch 52. After combustion is thus normally established, the burner I0 normally will continue to run until the master switch opens its contacts.

During normal burner operation as just described, the lookout switch is normally ineffective as contacts 51 and 56 remain closed as they are normally biased into engagement and thus are maintained normally ineffective. The normal initial and final relative positions of the lookout contacts 51 and 66 and of the floating lockout cam 41 and its positioning arm 56 which is controlled by the positioning cam 46 are diagrammatically illustrated in the upper 0 section diagram of the first cycle of Fig. 2. when flame is properly established during the first cycle, all of the lockout cam parts. after a complete revolution in a clockwise direction as shown by the arrow of cams 46 and 41 without any relative movement therebetween return to their initial position asshown when the timing motor is deenergized at the end of the cycle. However, during each cycle the normally closed lockout contacts 51, 66 are bodily moved as a unit without"disengagement thereof to the position indicated at 19 /2 seconds upon closure of the relay 32. Such bodily movement of the normally ineffective lockoutcontacts 51, 56 is accomplished upon energization of relay 32 in the following manner. When the movable contact 60 of relay 32 is brought into engagement with the contact 6i, the latter due to its mounting on the resilient conductor 05 is moved away from the stop I00. This movement of contact 6| is transmitted through the insulating pin IN to the resilient spring arm I02 which is mounted at one end on the'conducting bar 12 and carries at the other end the lookout contact 58. In the resulting movement of contact 50 the lookout contact 51 is bodily carried along due to its resilient support I04 which biases contact 51 into engagement with contact 50. Thus as shown in the upper 19 second diagram of the first cycle of Fig. 2 the contact 61 is moved against its bias out of the path of rotational movement of the floating lockout cam 41 when relay 32 is energized.

In case combustion should not be successfully established during the first burner starting time cycle, then deenergization of relay 32 occurs upon the opening of switch 50 at a time 50 /2 seconds smacks after the cycle started since the combustion switch 22 fails to engage with the hot contact 25. However, deenergization of the relay 32 at this particular time does not cause the separation of the normally ineffective lockout contacts 51, 56 as the tip of the lockout cam 41 is then in posi-' tion to enter the opening I05 formed in the flexible support I04 for the lockout contact 41 as shown in the upper second diagram of the first cycle of Fig. 2. However, the continued rotation of the timing motor 35 to the end of the second first timing cycle results in the engagement of one of the fingers I06 extending from the cam 41 with the bottom edge of opening I02 thereby stopping further rotation of cam 41. Cam 46, however, continues rotation to its initial position as shown in the diagram zero seconds for the second time cycle.

When the #i interlock circuit for energizing timing motor 35 is interrupted by the opening of switch 52 at the end of the first cycle, the timing motor 35 still remains energized to start the second cycle through initial timing motor energizing circuit which includes the master control 30, the combustion responsive switch 22 in engagement with the cold contact 24, and the normally closed lockout contacts 51, 58. During the second cycle, the sequence of operation of all of the parts of the control are precisely the same as during the first cycle except that the relative position of the lookout cam .41 with respect to cam 46 is changed. Cam 41 remains locked against rotation by engagement with the bottom edge of openin" I05 until the relay 32 is energized at 19 seconds in the second cycle. Thereupon the fioating lockout cam 41 is released for rotation by the disengagement of the finger I06 from the edge 0! the opening I05. Hence cam 41 will thereafter rotate simultaneously with cam 46, being frictionally driven from the shaft 38. Consequently, upon slightly more than a half revolution of the shaft 36, the lockout cam 41 will be in the predetermined position shown at the 50 second time. At this particular time in the controlled sequence of operation of the time switch mechanism 3|, switch 50 opens to interrupt the #2 interlock circuit. If combustion has not been established and the combustion responsive switch 22 operated into engagement with the hot contact 25 prior to this time, then relay 32 will become deenergized. The deenergization 'of relay 32 at this particular time results in rendering the lookout control eftective to deenergize the timing motor 35 since the floating lockout cam 41 is then in the path of movement or the resilient arm I04 upon which the lockout contact 51 is mounted and thereby blocks movement of contact 51 to follow movement of contact 53 in accordance with its bias. Thus when the resilient arm I02 upon which the lookout contact 58 is mounted moves in accordance with its bias to maintain the insulating pin IOI in engagement with the relay contact 6i, separation of the lockout contact 56 from the blocked contact 51 occurs. Thus when the #I interlock circuit is interrupted by the opening of switch 52 at the end of the second cycle, further operation of the timing motor 35 is stopped due to the separation of the lookout contact 66 from the block lockout contact 51. Such lockout operation after two tries at starting indicates that there must be something wrong with the oil burner that prevents the automatic establishment of the combustion; The second cycle provides for an additional attempt to establish out the same as originally described.

aavaeaa combustion which may have failed during the first cycle due merely to some temporary or vagrant condition.

To restart the automatic operation of the burner after a lockout, the normally open reset switch H is closed preferably after the burner difficulty is eliminated. This establishes a shunt reset circuit around the separated lockout contacts 51, 58 and the combustion responsive switch 22 in its cold position so that irrespective of the opening of these switches the timing motor 35 may be energized with the master control 30 closed. The reset switch I I0 must then be maintained closed until the #I interlock circuit is established by closure of switch 52 in the first cycle after reset. Thereupon the timing motor 35 will automatically be maintained energized until the end of the cycle as previously described. During this cycle the lockout cam 41 is held locked in position by engagement with the upturned finger III as indicated in the zero second diagram of the first cycle after reset. Lookout cam 41 is released from finger I I] only when the relay 32 is energized at the 19 second time as shown in the second diagram. Thereupon cams 41 and 46 rotate together. ing arm 56 is lifted out of the path of the finger I06 extending from cam 41 by the cam face I00 on cam 46 as shown in the 19 to 28 second period of Fig. 3.

If combustion should be properly established in the first cycle after reset, relay 32 will be maintained energized at and after the 50 seconds time by the operation of the combustion responsive switch 22 to its hot position. Shortly thereafter the finger I06 of the lookout cam 41 will engage with the positioning arm 56 as indicated in the 50 second diagram in the first cycle after reset. This engagement with positioning arm 56 stops rotation of cam 41 until The positionpresent invention, a voltage failure does not effact the lockout action except in case voltage should happen to fail during the very short time interval that one of the flngersoi said lockout cam 46 is in the particular position shown at the 50 seconds time in the second cycle with no fiame in Fig. 2. Thus it is only when the relay 32 is deenergized at this particular time with the lookout cam in this particular position that lockout occurs. The positioning arm 56 and the positioning cam 46 insures that the lookout cam 41 is returned after lockout operation to this particular position at this particular time under normal operating conditions.

Timing switch construction ably formed insulating blocks II6 are interposed the positioning arm 56 is moved out of the path of the finger I06 by the cam face I09 of cam 46 at the 54 to 57 second time as indicated in Fig. 3. This results in the return of lockout cam 41 into its normal position with reference to cam 46. Thus all of the parts of the lookout are returned to their normal operating condition as shown in the zero second time in the second cycle after reset with flame established. From this point on the control automatically will provide two attempts at establishing combustion before look- In fact after reset three tries at attempting combustion are available whether fiame is or is not properly established in the first cycle after reset as described above.

If combustion is not properly established in the first cycle after reset, the lookout contacts 51 and 58 remain closed even though relay 32 is deenergized at the 50 seconds time due to the failure of the combustion responsive switch 22 to move to the hot position. The position of the lockout cam 41 at the 50 seconds time in the first cycle after reset is sufficlentv advanced so as no longer to engage with the projecting finger II I. Consequently the lookout cam 41 continues to be rotated by the continued operation of the time switch 35 in precisely the same way as it would have been if flame had been established during the first cycleafter reset. Hence cam 41 arrives at the same position at the zero seconds time starting the second cycle after reset whether flame is or is not established during the first cycle after reset.

With the improved lockout mechanism of the receiving the ends of the four studs II5.

between the several switch parts so as to electrically insulate them from the studs II5 as well as from each other. The detailed construction of the insulating blocks H6 and the cooperating switch parts are indicated more clearly in the exploded view of Fig. 1. Each of the insulating blocks H6 is provided with an opening H1 at each end for receiving one of the studs I I5. Each opening II1 extends through a non-circular boss H8. As all of the cam switches are of similar construction only one need be described in detail as for example switch 50.

The contact plate II9 of switch 50 is provided with a non-circular opening I20 for slidably mounting the contact plates on the boss H8. The switch contact I 23 is mounted on the edge of the plate H9. The separate metal plate or conducting bar 12 upon which the movable switch member 50 is mounted is provided with a noncircular opening I2I for slidably mounting the plate 26 over the corresponding non-circular block at the lower end of the insulating block II 6. 'Thus when the next insulating block H6 in the series is threaded over the stud H5, and the next succeeding switch parts are mounted upon the non-circular bosses thereof, a very com pact sandwich switch structure is obtained as shown in Fig. 4. An end plate I24 provided with a central bearing opening for the end of the cam shaft 38 is provided with spaced openings for y tightening up the nuts on the threaded ends of the studs II5, the plate I24 is drawn inwardly so as to clamp all of the blocks II6 together with the switch parts clamped in proper position on the bosses IIO between the adjacent insulating blocks.

Each of the switch parts I I9 is provided with a suitable wiring terminal holding means either of the screw clamp type as shown at I25 or of the soldered or welded type shown at I23. The soldered or welded wiring terminal'holding means is used for the permanent connections to integral parts of the timing switch mechanism 3I while One-try lockout The improved one-try form of lockout cam mechanism shown in Fig. may be employed with a time sequence switch and relay mechanism similar to that shown in Figs. 1 and 4, if desired. In this modified control the special cooperating lockout cams I30 and I3I are substituted for the cams 45 and 41 and the positioning arm 55 is eliminated. The resilient arm I04 upon vided with a special lockout finger I32 for cooperating with the cams I30 and I3I as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 6. The cam shaft 30 of the time switch mechanism is provided with a knurled section I34 upon which the cam I30 is fixedly mounted. The cam I3I is rotatably mounted upon the section I35 with the torsion spring I35 interconnecting the cams I30 and I3I so as to bias the shoulder I35 of cam I3I into engagement with the stop I39 of cam I30 as indicated at the zero seconds time-in Fig. 6.

The one-try lockout cam mechanism is particularly advantageous for use when the time sequencing switch mechanism 3I and relay 32 are employed for controlling a simplified form of oil burner having simply an ignition circuit and a motor running circuit as shown schematically in Fig. '1. In such service the sequencing switch mechanism may be materially simplified as there is no need for the motor starting control switch or the oil valve connections shown in Fig. 1 and hence these may be eliminated. Also the control circuits may be materially simplified as shown in Fig. '1.

The operation of the simplified one-try control is as follows: Upon closure of the contacts of the master control switch 30, a starting circuit for timing motor 35 is established from the secondary of transformer 50 through contacts 30 in their closed position, the normally closed lockout contacts 51, 50, the resistor 3|, the combustion responsive switch 22 in its cold position in engagement with contact 24 and thence through the timing motor 35 to the other side of the transformer secondary. The resulting timing motor operation closes cam switch 52 after 3 seconds as shown in the chart at the bottom of Fig. 6. The closureof switch 52 establishes the #I interlock or timer running circuit for insuring the continued energization of the timing motor 35 until the end of the 60 second time cycle. This #I interlock or timer running circuit extends from the transformer secondary through cam switch 52 in its closed position and then directly through the timing motor 35 to the other side of the transformer secondary. The closure of cam switch 5I at the 5 second time connects the primary of the ignition transformer to be energized from the high voltage power supply lines LI, L2 in shunt with the motor running winding I la upon subsequent closure of the contacts 50, 5| of the relay 32.

The operating winding of relay 32 is energized to close the relay contacts 00 and 5| when switch 50- closes to establish the #2 interlock which the lookout contact 51 is mounted is prolock or relay energizing circuit extends from the transformer'through the contacts of master control switch 30 in their closed positions, through the normally closed lockout contacts 51, 58 and then through cam switch 50 in its closed position, contact 25 of the combustion responsive switch and winding of relay 32 to the other side of the transformer. The resulting closure of relay 32 energizes both the burner motor running winding Ila and ignition transformer 20. Thus combustion should normally be established in the interval from 18 to 5'1 seconds during which the switch 50 is maintained closed. If combustion is successfully established, the combustion responsive switch 22 is operated out of engagement with its cold contact 24 and into engagement with its hot contact 25. In the latter position the combustion responsive switch 22 establishes a relay holding circuit that will maintain the relay operating winding 32 energized through the voltage reducing resistor ill, the normally closed contacts 51, 58 of the lockout switch and the contacts of the master control 30 irrespective of the opening of the cam switch 50 at the 57 second time. Thereafter in case of failure of combustion the combustion responsive switch 22 will disengage contact 25 and thereby open the relay holding circuit to deenergize the relay operating winding 32. Likewise if the master control switch 30a opens its contacts the relay holding circuit for operating winding 32:: is deenergized to shut down the burner operation.

When. combustion is successfully established as just described above, the one-try lockout control operates as follows. At the start of the cycle, the lockout cams I30, I3I are in the relative position with respect to the lookout contacts 51, 53 as shown in the zero time diagram of Fig. 6. After the closure of cam switch 52 at .3 seconds and before the closure of the cam switch 50 at 18 seconds, the engagement of the finger I44 on cam I30 with the finger I32 on lockout contact 51 although it separates the 1ockout contacts 51, 58 temporarily cannot interrupt the #I interlock energizing circuit for the timing motor 35. After finger I44 has passed finger I32 then the shoulder I45 on cam I3I is brought into abutting engagement with finger I32. This will stop rotation of cam I3I which, as previously pointed out, is free to rotate upon section I35 of the cam shaft against the torsion of spring I35. When combustion is successfully established after closure of switch 50 at the 18 second time,.the lockout contacts 51, 58 are moved bodily as a unit by the resulting energization of the relay 32 in exactly the same way as described in connection with Fig. 1. This carries the finger I32 entirely out of the path of both of the lookout cams I30 and NI as indicated in the lower diagram at the 18 second time with relay 32 closed. The resulting disengagement of finger I32 from shoulder I45 allows the cam I3I to be rotated by spring I35 back to its original relative position with respect to cam I30. Thus when the relay 32 is maintained energized by switch 22 due to estabcircuit at the 18 second time. This #2 inter- 7 lishment of combustion during the 18 to 56 second period of operation of sequencing switch mechanism, then the lookout cams I30 and I3I will be returned to their initial position at the end of the cycle. Upon subsequent deenergization of the relay 32, the lookout contacts 51, 53 remain in their normally closed or normally ineffective condition.

When the timing cycle is once started, if the relay should fail to close at the 18 second time for any reason, then the burner will not be started and as indicated at the 201 /2 second diagram of Fig. 6, the camface I41 on cam I30 engages with the finger I32 so as to separate lockout contact 51 from contact 58. Under these conditions with relay 32 still not closed at the 56 second time, finger I32 will engage with the edge of the slot I46 formed in the cam I3I. This will arrest rotation of cam I3I and when the continued rotation of cam I30 brings the shoulder I41 on cam I30 pastthe finger I32, then the finger I32 drops into the slot I46 so as to permit reclosure of the lockout contacts 51, 50 at the 59 second period. This will maintain the initial energizing circuit for timing motor 35 so that the cycles can be repeated to attempt to energize relay 32 at the 18 second time. The energization of the timing motor 35 will be continued indefinitely in case the relay 32 is never closed during the 18 to 56 second time but of course the burner will never operate.

In case relay 32 is properly energized at the 18 second time by closure of switch 50 to establish the #2 interlock circuit and the relay 32 is deenergized at the 57 second time by opening of switch 52 without the combustion switch 22 having responded to move to the hot position, then the lockout contacts 51, 58 are rendered eflective to stop further energization of the timing motor 35 at the end of the 60 second period as follows. When relay 32 .is energized prior to the 56 second time and becomes deenergized immediately after the 57 second time the notch I46 on cam I3I is operated into the path of the finger I32 at this particular time so as to effect a lockout separation of contacts 51,, 53 as shown in the 57% second diagram. This separation of lockout contacts 51, 58 will be maintained to the end of the 60 second period so that the timing motor 35 is not energized thereafter and the lockout thus becomes effective.

To restart the burner into operation after lockout, it is necessary to manually close the normally open reset switch I49 in order to reenerigze the timing motor 35 directly from the transformer secondary. The resulting rotation of the timing motor carries the finger I44 of cam I30 into engagement with the finger I32 so as to disengage the latter from the notch I48 on cam I3I as indicated in the 6 second diagram to effect a mechanical reset of lockout. This permits the spring I36 to rotate cam I3| back into its initial relative position with respect to cam I30. Thus the improved one-try lockout mechanism again becomes normally ineffective and is thereafter rendered effective only when the relay 32 is deenergized at the particular time that the notch I48 on lockout cam I3I is operated by the time sequencing mechanism into the path of the finger I32 on lockout contact 51.

The improvements of the present invention are not necessarily limited to burner control but may be employed with advantage in other types of automatic prerequisite condition control such, for example, as the humidity control system shown diagrammatically in Fig. 8. As shown, thecentrifugal pump I50 is driven by the electric motor II to pump water through the supply pipe I52 from a source which may be ineffective or insuflicient into the pressure tank I53 from which the wateris supplied by the pipe I54 to be discharged through the atomizing nozzle sure I56. Priming water is supplied from a suit- I55 to increase the humidity within the encloable source through the pipe I51 under the control of the electromagnetic valve I58 to initially prime the pump I50. A suitable pressure responsive device I59 or a float, if desired, operates the switch I60 into engagement with the upper contacts when there is little or no water supplied to the pressure chamber I53 and into engagement with the lower contact when an effective water atomizing pressure is built up in the pressure chamber I53 by operation of pump I50. An automatic master control shown in the 'form of a humidostat I6I is responsive to the humidity condition within the enclosure I56.

The improved time sequencing switch mechanism relay and lockout combination of the present invention as illustrated in Figs, 1 and 4 may be applied to control the operation of motor I50 under the master condition responsive control of the humidostat I6I in conjunction with the prerequisite condition responsive switch I60. In this service the timing motor 35 is connected to be energized when i the pressure responsive switch I60 is in engagement with its upper or no water condition contact and the humidostat I6I closes its contact. The #I interlock circuit" is closed to maintain the timing motor I35 energized until the end of the starting cycle in the same way as previously described. The priming water control valve I58 is connected to be energized upon closure of the switch 5| so as to induce eflective pumping operation of the pump I50 when themotor I5I is energized by closure of the relay 32. If successful water pumping is established and a water pressure is built up in the chamber I53 so as to move the pressure responsive switch I60 from its upper contacts to its lower contacts within the time interval previously described as allotted for an attempt to establish combustion, then the operation of motor I5I will be continued under the control of the humidostat I6I and the pressure responsive switch I60. The water priming valve I58 is deenergized upon opening of the switch 5|. In

, case effective water pumping operation is not established for any reason so that an effective pressure is not built up in chamber I53 after two attempts, the improved control would automatically lock out in exactly the same way as described in connection with the burner control. The operation is generally similar except that the elements of the automatic pumping and humidifying apparatus are controlled instead of the burner elements. The one-try lockout cam mechanism may be employed in the control arrangement of Fig. 8, if desired.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In an automatic control system for a condition changing apparatus, the combination of energizing means for the condition changing apparatusincluding an electrical timing device, an electromagnet having a holding circuit, an energizing circuit for said 'electromagnet temporarily energized by said timing device, and means controlled by said electromagnet upon energization of said energizing circuit for energizing the condition changing apparatus to attempt toestablish a predetermined condition, means including a device responsive to said predetermined condition for operating said timing device in the said energizing circuit, and automatic lockout means having a pair of mechanically biased elements separately controlled by said timing means and said electromagnet for rendering said energizing means ineffective upon deenergization of said electromagnet within a limited time after a predetermined temporary energization of said energizing circuit by said timing device.

2. In an automatic burner control system, the

' combination of burner energizing means. includgization of said energizing circuit, and automaticmeans including a rotatable element operable by said timing means and a cooperating biased element operated by said electromagnet into lockout engagement with said first element for rendering said burner energizing means ineffective upon deenergization of said electromagnet within a limited time following a predetermined temporary energization of said energizing circuit by sad rotatable timing device.

3. In an automatic burner control, bination of an electrical timing device, an electromagnet having a holding circuit. an ener- "gizing circuit for said electromagnet temporarily closed by said timing device, means controlled by said electromagnet upon energization thereof for energizing the burner to attempt to establish combustion, means including a combustion responsive device forenergizing said timing device in the absence of combustion and for closing said holding circuit to maintain said electromagnet energized to maintain combustion when combustlon is established during a temporary closure of said energizing circuit and automatic means including a pair of elements, one operable by said timing device and the other biased by said electromagnet upon energization thereof into lockout engagement for preventing subsequent operation of said burner energizing means upon de energization of said electromagnet within a limited time following a predetermined temporary energization of said electromagnet by said timing device.

4. In a control for an electrically operated device, the combination of control means for the device having electroresponsive operating means,

a plurality of energizing circuits for said operating means, electrically operated timer for temporarily closing one of said circuits, automatic means normally effective during said temporary closure of said one circuit for closing another of said circuits, means controlling energization of said timer including relatively movable contacts biased into engagement for rrovement as a unit by said electroresponsive means upon energization thereof, and means including a movable stop member controlled by said timer for efiecting disengagement of said contacts upon deenergization of said operating means at a predetermined the after energization of said timer.

5. In a control for an electrically operated condition changing device, the combination of the comcontrol means for said device having electroresponsive operating means, a plurality of energizing circuits for said operating means, means including an electrically operated timer for temporarily closing one of said energizing circuits to establish a condition, an automatic condition responsive device effective upon establishment of said condition during said temporary closure of said one circuit for closing another of said energizing circuits and. for maintaining said other circuit closed to maintain said condition there after, a lookout device having two normally ineilective positions for preventing energization of said operating means, and operated between said positions upon energization and deenergization of said operating means and means including a movable stop element into the path of said lockout device for rendering said lockout device effective upon deenergization of said operating means at a predetermined time when the energization of said operating means is under the control of said automatic condition responsive device.

6. In a control for a condition changing apparatus, the combination of automatic means for operating the apparatus including a relay having a plurality of energizing circuits, means including a timer for temporarily closing one of said circuits to establish a condition, a condition responsive device eiiective upon establishment of said condition during temporary closure of said one circuit for closing another of said circuits to maintain said condition, a lockout device having a pair of movable elements each biased into engagement with the other and separable for preventing operation of the apparatus and mechanism whereby the bias of both of said elements is jointly controlled by said relay and the bias of one 0! said elements is separately controlled by said timer for rendering said lockout device effective upon deenergization of said relay at a predetermined time when the energization of said relay is under the control of said condition responsive device. v

7. In combination, a control relay for an electrically operated condition changing device, a normally closed lockout switch operated between two positions while maintaining said switch closed upon energization and deenergization of said relay, a plurality of energizing circuits for said relay, a timer operable under the control of said lockout switch for temporarily closing one of said energizing circuits to establish a condition, automatic condition responsive means effective upon establishment of said condition during the said temporary closure of said one circuit for closing another of said energizing circuits, and means operated by said timer into the path of said lockout switch at a predetermined time for opening said lockout switch to prevent operation of said timer upon the opening of said relay at said switch to said one position upon deenergization of said device, a plurality of energizing circuits for said device, a timer operable under the control of said normally closed switch for temporarily closing one of said energizing circuits,

automatic control means normally effective dur-' ing the temporary closure of said one circuit for closing another of said circuits, and means operated by said timer into the path of said normally able by said timer at a predetermined time into the path of movement of one of said contacts to efiect disengagement of said contacts upon deenergization of said electroresponsive means at said' predetermined time.

10. In combination, an electrically operated control device, a normally ineffective lockout switch having an operating element movable between two positions by'said device, a plurality of energizing circuits for said device, a rotary timer operable under the control of said lockout switch for temporarily closing one of said circuits, automatic means for closing another of said circuits, and a rotatable stop operated by said timer at a predetermined time into the path of movement of said operating element for rendering said lockout switch effective to prevent operation of said timer upon the deenergization of said device at said predetermined time.

11. In combination, an electrically operated control device, a normally inefiective lockout switch having an operating element movable between two positions by said device, a plurality of energizing circuits for said device, a rotatable timer operable under the control of said lockout switch for temporarily closing one of said circuits, automatic means for closing another of said circuits, a relatively movable rotatable stop member operated by said rotatable timer, and means controlled by said timer upon rotation thereof for positioning said relatively movable rotatable stop member for subsequent operation by said timer upon subsequent rotation thereof into the path of said operating element at a predetermined time for rendering said lockout switch efifectiv'e to prevent operation of said timer upon the deenergization of said device at said predetermined time.

12. In combination, an electrically operated control device, a normally ineffective lockout switch operated thereby, a plurality of energizing circuits for said device, a timer operable under the control of said lockout switch for temporarily closing one of said circuits, automatic means for closing another of said circuits, a pair of relatively movable lockout control members operated by said timer and biased into a predetermined relative position, and means controlled by said timer upon operation thereof for positioning one of said relatively movable members for operation by said timer into effective operating relation with said lockout switch at a predetermined time for rendering said lockout switch efiective to prevent reenergization of said control device upon deenergization of said device at said predetermined time. I

13. In combination. a burner, electroresponsive means for controlling the operation oi said burner, said means having an energizing control circuit for controlling said burner to establish combustion and a holding control circuit for controlling said bumer to maintain combustion after the establishment thereof, an electrically operated,sequential circuit, control timer for closing said energizing control circuit for a limited period during operation of said timer, a thermostatic switch, a starting control circuit for said timer under the control of said thermostatic switch, a running circuit for said timer automatically closed by said timer for a predetermined longer period upon the starting of operation of said timer, a combustion responsive switch interconnected. with said thermostatic switch for closing the said holding control circuit of said electroresponsive means upon the establishment of combustion during said limited period, a normally closed lockout switch operated between two positions upon energization of said electroresponsive means and connected in at least one of said control circuits for preventing operation of said burner upon the opening 01 said lockout switch and means including a movable stop positioned in the path of 'said lockout switch by said timer at the end of said limited period for-opening said lockout switch upon deenergization of said electroresponsive means at said time.

14. In a control system for a condition changing apparatus, the combination of an operation control device biased to stop operation of the condition changing apparatus, electroresponsive means for operating said control device to operate the condition changing apparatus to establish and maintain a first condition for changing a second condition, an energizing control circuit for I said electroresponsive means, a holding control circuit for said electroresponsive means, a first control switch responsive to said first condition,

a second control switch responsive to said secondcondition, an electrically operated sequential circuit control timer having a starting control circuit under the joint control of said first control switch in the absence of said first condition and said second control switch in response to a predetermined variation in said second condition, and a running circuit automatically closed.

by said timer for a predetermined period after the starting of operation of said timer with said timer connected for closing the said energizing control circuit of said electroresponsive device for an interval during said period to attempt to establish said first condition during said interval and with said holding control circuit for said electroresponsive device connected to be closed under the control of said first control switch in response to the establishment of said'first condition during said interval and maintained closed under the joint control of said first control switch andsaid second control switch upon the openingof said running circuit at the end of said predetermined period, a normally closed lockout switch operated between two positions upon energization of said electroresponsive means and connected in at least one of said control circuits for preventing operation of the condition changing apparatus upon the opening of said lockout switch, and means including a movable stop oper- 15. In a control system for a burner, the combination of electroresponsive burner operating means, control means for said operating means including an electrically operated timer having an energizing circuit for said operating means closed therebyior a limited interval to effect limited operation of the burner, a burner combustion reoperating means due to the failure of said combustion responsive device to close said holding circuit before the end of said interval.

16. In a control for an electrically operated burner, the combination of a burner operation control switch biased to the open position, an electromagnet for closing said switch to operate the burner upon energization of said electromagnet, means for controlling the energization of said electromagnet including an electrically operated timer having an energizing circuit for said electromagnet closed thereby for a limited interval, a combustion responsive device having a holding circuit for said electromagnetic means closed thereby upon response thereof to combustion, and a normally closed lockout switch in control of the energization of said electromagnet and having an opening mechanism including a pair of cooperating elements, one biased by said electromagnet upon energization thereof for operation upon deenergization thereof at the end of said limited interval due-to failure of said combustion responsive device to close said holding circuit and the other operated into the path of said biased element by said timer at the end of said interval.

17. In combination, an operation control relay for a condition changing apparatus, an energizing circuit for said relay, a holding circuit for said relay including means for preventing eflective reenergization 0! said relay after a voltage failure, means for closing and opening said energizing circuit including a master control switch, an electrically operated time switch mechanism having a switch contact operable for closing said energizing circuit for an interval during operation of said mechanism, a normally ineffective lockout switch connected in said energizing circuit,

a starting circuit for starting said time switch mechanism into operation under the Joint control of said lockout switch and said masterv switch and having a running circuit and a switch contact.for closing said running circuit for a predetermined period of time including said interval, an automatic switch responsive to establishment of a predetermined condition during said interval and interconnected with said master switch for jointly closing said holding circuit in response to establishment of said condition during said interval, means jointly controlled by said time switch mechanism and said relay for rendering said lockout switch effective upon failure of said automatic switch to respond within said interval,

and a sealing circuit including a switch contact operated by said time switch mechanism for closing said sealing circuit to render said master control switch ineffective to open said energizing circuit of said relay within said interval.

18. In combination, condition control means having an operating electromagnet, an energizingcircuit for said electromagnet, a holding circuit for maintaining said electromagnet energized, a pair oi. movably mounted switch memof a predetermined condition during said interv val, and stop means operated by said timer into the path of the said other of said switch members at the end of said interval for preventing movement of said other member in accordance with its bias to efiect disengagement of said switch members upon deenergization of said electromagnet at the end of said interval.

19. In combination, condition control means having an operating electromagnet, an energizing circuit for said electromagnet, a holding circuit for maintaining said electromagnet energized, a pair of movably mounted switch members biased into circuit closing engagement and connected to control said energizing circuit, a movable magnetic armature biased to one position and operable upon energization of said electromagnet to move both oi said switch members while maintaining circuit closing engagement therebetween, means including a timer for temporarily closing said energizing circuit, an automatic switch for closing said holding circuit in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition during said interval, a pair of relatively movable stop members operated by said timer, one being operable into the path of one of said contact members, and means controlled by the other 01 said stop members for efiecting relative movement of said stop members to position said one of said members for blocking engagement with said one switch member to eflect disengagement thereof from the other of said switch members upon deenergization oi said electromagnet at the end of said interval.

20. In combination, condition control means having an operating electromagnet, an energizing circuit for said electromagnet, a holding circuit for maintaining said electromagnet energized, a magnetic armature biased to one position and operated to another position upon energization of said electromagnet, a pair or movably mounted switch members biased into engagement ior operation as a unit by said armature upon energizetion of said electromagnet, means including an electrically operated rotatable timing switch mechanism for closing said energizing circuit for a predetermined interval, an automatic condition responsive switch 101' closing said holding circuit upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition during said interval, a pair of rotatable relatively movable control members operated by said one contact at the end of said interval for sepa- I rating said switch members upon deenergization of said electromagnet at said predetermined time.

JOHN 1 EATON.

Patent -No 2, 278 252.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

. March 51, -19 l;2. JOHN EATON.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 8, first column, line 61, claim 14., before "electrically" insert --an---; econd co'lumn,

line 16, claim 5, after "means" first occurrence, insert a comma; line 17', same claim, after "element" insert operated by said timer'--;" and that the said letters Patent should be read withthis correction therein that the eame may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 2nd day of June, A. D. 19142.

I Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

Patent No 2, 278,252.

CERTIFICATE-OF CORRECTION.

' March 51, -19h2. JOHN EATON.

' It is hereby certified that error appears. in the printed specification of. the above numbered patent reqniring' correction as follows: Page 8 first column, line 61, claim h, before "electrically" insert --an-- cond co umn, line 16, claim 5, after "means" first occurrence, insert a comma; line 17', same claim, after "element" insert operated by said tin er' fand that the said Letters Patent should be' read with this, correction therein that the samemay cenformto the record of the case in the Patent Office.

si ned. and sealed this 2nd day of June, A. D. 19h2.

I Henry Van Arsdale, (Seal)- Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

